The journal of trauma and acute care surgery
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Oct 2013
Admission ASIA motor score predicting the need for tracheostomy after cervical spinal cord injury.
Respiratory compromise and the need for tracheostomy are common after cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). The purpose of the study was to evaluate if admission American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score is associated with the need for tracheostomy following cSCI. ⋯ Therapeutic/care management, level II.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Oct 2013
Strong ion difference and gap predict outcomes after adult burn injury.
The strong ion difference (SID) (apparent [SIDa] and effective [SIDe]) and strong ion gap (SIG) provide a comprehensive method of evaluating acid-base status in critically ill patients. The SID is the difference between strong cations and strong anions in plasma, while the SIG demonstrates the presence of unmeasured ions. This approach accounts for changes in a patient's protein status, which is particularly important in those with burn injuries. We hypothesized that the SIDa, SIDe, and SIG during the first 72 hours after admission would be predictive of mortality in burn patients. ⋯ Prognostic study, level II.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Oct 2013
Mild and moderate pediatric traumatic brain injury: replace routine repeat head computed tomography with neurologic examination.
Opinion is divided on the role of routine repeat head computed tomography (RHCT) for guiding clinical management in pediatric patients with blunt head trauma. We hypothesize that routine RHCT does not lead to change in management in mild and moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Diagnostic/therapeutic study, level IV.